From: "Al Powell"Organization: TAMU Agricultural Communications To: a-powell1@tamu.edu Date sent: Mon, 27 Apr 1998 13:37:29 CDT Subject: <280ZX> Removing Radio Console Priority: normal I recently had a question about how to install a newer model radio in a 280ZX-series car. I realized I hadn't every posted a "how-to" on this, so here it is...... *********************************** This is a very easy move. Brand of new radio is not relevant, as long as it's a DIN-chassis. Hopefully you will NOT try to install a two-knob (old style) radio, which is more difficult. I do not recommend using anything but a DIN-chassis radio for this install. I STRONGLY ADVISE that you buy the adapter face plate which Crutchfield (800-446-1640) sells. You remove the existing plastic aluminim-look radio console face plate (peel it off) and install the Crutchfield plate with four screws, one in each corner of the plate. You can see this plate in the radio installation on my Z-car page: http://agcomwww.tamu.edu/agcom/satellit/zcarpage.htm (Note: this URL only good through mid-June, 1998.) Click on the thumbnail photo for a larger view. To remove radio console: 1) Remove decorative panels above both footwells (2 screws each, pull on push-on connectors to remove wires formm lights. Store panels and screws. 2) Remove triangular trim piece from each side of console (1 screw each, #2 Philips head screwdriver...) Store trim pieces and screws. 3) Remove four bolts (with #1 Philips head insert) from each side of radio console. For the first time, remove these using a socket set. If you don't kill them when re-installing, you will be able to remove them with a #1 Philips head screwdriver on later service trips. 4) Move gearshift into gear 2 or 4 to give some room. PROTECT the transmission hump center pad/console between gearshift and radio console with a shop rag or towel. When you pull the console out, it may have sharp edges on bottom which can damage the console. 5) With bolts out, wiggle radio console and pull gently forward. It should come forward all ion one piece, with radio and tape player mounted. 6) When accessible, unplug radio antenna. Find wiring harness for radio assy (clipped to console) and unplug connectors. MOST of these connectors are different from each other and will not need to be labeled. If memory serves, some of them on the cig. lighter may not be well labeled. Masking tape bent over the wire and turned into a flag can be used as a label - write on it with a magic marker to remind yourself where the wire re-connects. 7) you can now remove the entire console from the car to a work surface. Study it carefully and you will see how to remoe the components. I believe you must remove the knobs from the stock radio to remove it. 8) Once the radio and tape deck have been removed, you can modify the face of the console and install the face plate. Some cutting will be required to provide the appropriate hole for the DIN-chassis radio. Be brave! 9) I STRONGLY, STRONGLY, STRONGLY RECOMMEND (GOT THE POINT??) That you minimize changes to car's wiring harness. Use existing speaker wires, etc. as much as possible. GET A WIRING DIAGRAM from Chilton's (factory manual is best) so you can work out which wires do what. YOU MUST KNOW THIS to minimize the work and the mistakes. 10) When you must cut wires, do so on the RADIO console end of the wiring harness so that you will still be able to remove it from the car by unplugging the factory connector. Make your cuts in the CENTER of the wires between the connector and existing radio, NOT at either end. You always want a few inches of wire to work with!! (And you may end up trimming the ends more than once to correct any errors.) 11) I recommend using bullet-connectors for this installation. Then if you have to move connections, you can do so. The connectors and a crimping/wire stripping tool are available at any auto parts store. Tell them you need "bullet connectors, blue size, and the crimping and stripping tool." The connectors are coded by color for different wire gauges. Blue is good for this kind of wiring. 12) Remember that bullet connectors require TWO commectors for each wire - one male, one female. The benefit is that you can UNplug what you've done. The alternative to bullet connectors is butt connectors, which also should be used in blue size. Butt connectors work fine, they just can't be unplugged. 13) For wiring, follow the instructions which come with your radio. 14) After the radio is installed and you want to test it, you can set the radio console in place, plug in the antenna and wire harness, and try it. BUT NOTE: the panel grounds itself to the car when installed, so unless you run a jumper wire from the metal back of the radio console to a ground point on the transmission hump, the circuit will not be complete. (This can make you crazy till you figure it out.) Remember the ground/jumper wire for for your test! ******************************************************* Al Powell Voice: 409/845-2807 107 Reed McDonald Bldg. Fax: 409/862-1202 College Station, TX 77843 Http://agcomwww.tamu.edu/agcom/satellit/alpage.htm *******************************************************